Rutgers Football: Kyle Monangai and a Favorable Schedule Key to Success in 2023

Scarlet Knights Poised for a Breakthrough Season

Rutgers University's football team, often overlooked in the competitive Big Ten Conference, has emerged as a potential sleeper team for the 2023 season. Several factors contribute to this newfound optimism, including a favorable schedule and a breakout star in running back Kyle Monangai.

Monangai: The Most Underrated Player in the Big Ten

Monangai, a junior from Edison, New Jersey, has flown under the radar despite his exceptional performance in 2022. According to ESPN, he is the most underrated player in the conference, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and scoring 13 touchdowns.

Monangai's explosiveness and versatility make him a dangerous weapon for the Scarlet Knights offense. He is a threat both as a runner and a receiver, making it difficult for defenses to contain him.

Favorable Schedule Provides Opportunity

Rutgers' schedule in 2023 offers a significant advantage. The Scarlet Knights avoid facing the top teams in the Big Ten East division, including Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

Instead, they face a more manageable slate of opponents, including Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, UCLA, and Illinois. These teams finished with a combined record of 38-42 last season.

Positive Media Coverage and Expert Analysis

Rutgers' resurgence has not gone unnoticed by sports analysts. ESPN's Matt Miller has praised the team's potential, calling them "the most underrated team in the Big Ten." Big Ten Network analyst Tom Dienhart echoed this sentiment, stating that Monangai is the "most underrated player" in the conference.

These endorsements from respected experts further bolster the belief that Rutgers is poised for a breakout season in 2023.